For Sale: 2004 Ford Thunderbird in Mesa, Arizona

When it first debuted as a modern throw-back drop-top in 2002, the 11th generation Ford Thunderbird did not command the public response Blue Oval executives hoped for. Even after a five-year hiatus from its coupe-only Mercury Cougar twinning tenth-gen model, the retro-themed T-Bird was met with a lukewarm reaction from both customers and journalists. However, with time, taking another look at a car like this Merlot-colored 2004 Ford Thunderbird, with its Light Oak soft top, removable white fiberglass hardtop, and 49,061 actual miles on its odometer has made us see this car in a whole new light.

Underneath that power convertible top, we find a two-tone interior. Plush power heated Light Oak leather seats coordinate nicely with the same-colored shift knob and padded steering wheel. A set of white-faced gauges adds a racy vibe to an otherwise posh-feeling cockpit, highlighted by power locks, windows, mirrors, air conditioning, and cruise control. A center stack featuring push buttons that allow control of both HVAC functions as well as the six-disc AM/FM/CD factory stereo system.

Pop open that scooped hood, and we find a dual-overhead cam aluminum block and heads V-8 engine that measures 3950cc, which is why some research will say the T-Bird uses a 3.9-liter engine, and other sources will list it as a 4.0-liter V-8. Whichever way you measure it, this Jaguar-built engine pumps out a very respectable 280 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque. That power is routed through a Ford-designed five-speed automatic transmission before heading out to the stock 3.58:1 geared rear end. A set of sixteen-spoke, seventeen-inch wheels shod in 235/50R-17 Sumitomo all-season tires put all that power to the pavement, which sounds amazing thanks to the consignor's removal of the rear mufflers.

*49,061 Actual Miles

*Removable Hardtop

*Power Convertible Top

*Power Steering

*Four Wheel Power Disc Brakes

*Power Mirrors

*Power Windows

*Power Locks

*Power Seats

*Six CD Changer

*3.95 Liter DOHC V8

*Five Speed Auto

*Independent Suspension

*Transferrable Warranty

This 2004 Ford Thunderbird rides on a four-wheel independent suspension, which, with just 3,800 pounds to move, allowed this roadster to hustle from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds and through the quarter mile in 15 seconds at about 95 mph. Top speed is limited to 132 mph, which feels plenty fast with the wind in your hair. Along with maintenance receipts, this T-Bird can also have its existing warranty, which has 35 months and/or 50,000 miles remaining, transferred to its new owner for a mere $100. Despite its lackluster debut two decades ago, this Merlot-colored Thunderbird feels more and more like its paint's namesake because, like any good wine, it, too, has gotten better with age. Call today!